Irlandos at 10:40, September 14, 2006

2006-09-14T10:40:09Z

Irlandos at 10:39, September 14, 2006

2006-09-14T10:39:22Z

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In [[Greek mythology]], '''Iolaus''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: ΄Ιόλαος) was a [[Thebes|Theban]] divine hero, son of [[Iphicles]] and thus a nephew of [[Heracles]]. He often acted as Heracles' charioteer and companion, accompanying him on some of the [[Twelve Labours]].

The Theban [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)|gymnasium]] was named after him, and the ''Iolaeia,'' an athletic festival consisting of gymnastic and equestrian events, was held yearly in Thebes in his honor.[1]

Iolaus provided essential help to Heracles in his battle against the [[Lernaean Hydra|Hydra]], his [[The Twelve Labours#The Labours|second labor]]. Seeing that Heracles was being overwhelmed by the multi-headed monster, who grew two heads in place of each one cut off, Iolaus sprang to help, cauterizing each neck as Heracles beheaded it.

Heracles gave his wife, [[Megara (mythology)|Megara]], to Iolaus – ostensibly because the sight of her reminded him of his murder of their three children. They had a daughter, [[Leipephilene]]. He was one of the Heraclidae.[2]

Upon Heracles' death, Iolaus lit the funeral pyre, though according to some mythographers, this was [[Philoctetes]] instead.

==Notes==
[1]- [[Pindar]], ''Olympian Ode,'' VIII, 84
[2]- Ovid IX, 394.

{{Credit wikipedia}}

[[Category:Greek mythological people]]

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 ==Notes==
-[1]- [[Pindar]], ''Olympian Ode,'' VIII, 84
+*[1]- [[Pindar]], ''Olympian Ode,'' VIII, 84
-[2]- Ovid IX, 394.
+*[2]- Ovid IX, 394.

Iolaus - Revision history

Irlandos at 10:40, September 14, 2006

Irlandos at 10:39, September 14, 2006